Sterling has the potential to reach Messi and Ronaldo's level- Pep Guardiola

The Cityzen forward has been in exceptional form lately for club and country which has allowed Guardiola to sing praises about him.

Raheem Sterling recently scored one and assisted two in England's 5-3 win over Kosovo and England head coach Gareth Southgate made some audacious comments saying that the 24-year old has the potential to overtake Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and become the best footballer in the world soon.

However, Guardiola chose not to agree with these elite comparisons and want Sterling to keep his focus on the game.

"Hopefully he cannot read too much and listen to these kinds of things, it would be good for him," said Guardiola, ahead of Saturday's trip to Norwich - live on Sky Sports.

However, he did not completely deny Sterling's potential to reach that level but feels that currently, it is a bit too much for the England International.

“Right now he is not in that level,” said Guardiola. “Maybe in the future, I hope."

“That would be a dream for him and for all of us, but right now those two guys in the last decade have scored 50 or 60 goals per season and had I don’t know how many assists."

The former Liverpool winger has been in electric form and has scored six goals in as many games in this year and Guardiola feels proud that his player is excelling on fronts.

"I'm so happy with what he's been doing since we've been together," he added.

"Everything that has happened to him is good because he has an incredible work ethic and he's an incredibly nice guy. Every time I know the situation is going well, not just with us, but with the national team, his country, I'm delighted."

Sterling joined City back in July 2015 and had severe issues with his decision making in the final third and also with his shooting. But under Pep Guardiola's guidance, the 24-year old has massively improved in all areas of his game.

He has also become one of the most consistent forwards in the English Premier League and the first name on the teamsheet for both club and country.